POI, what causes this pattern?

DsrtRat

DsrtRat

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Had my new Tikka .223 out at the range today. Was wondring what causes the shooting pattern in the first 2 targets? The winds were 10-15km/h at my back. I am thinking this has more to do with my form than anything.

I had some earlier groups that were around 1-1.2 inch. I noticed how much this gun recoils compared to my Rem in a heavy Boyds stock. My 700 with Boyds Thumbhole comes straight back about an inch when it goes boom. The Tikka, with synthetic stock tends to bounce off the bi-pod more and recoil back and to one side. If I allow it to almost free recoil with just a bit of pressure against my shoulder, the groups open up to 1.2 in. If I hold it tight to my shoulder and really press my cheek into it, the groups are instantly brought down to .5-.75in. Is this simply a product of firearm weight and bi-pod bounce?

dispersetikka.jpg
 
When using a Harris it is better to load it up forward since they tend to bounce around. Nothing wrong with 1/2-3/4min groups from a factory rifle.
 
I have to admit that when shooting prone, I can load the bi-pod up easily but on a smooth surfaced bench (shot these from a bench), I find the rubber feet slide too easily.

I am happy with these groups but know that this gun is capable of better and I should be able to eliminate the groups that were an inch or bigger.
 
I have had horizontal dispersion like those you show in your groups, caused by each of these:
- me (getting fatigued and breaking the trigger poorly)
- a scope with a slightly loose front lens (damn you Leupold)
- wind
- barrel mirage

FWIW I have never been able to connect cheek pressure, bipod loading or rifle recoil to where a shot might land.
 
There was a thread recently (on here? or maybe 24hourcampfire) regarding shooting bipod off the bench - people's consensus was that off the bench bags prove to deliver better groups.
 
Left too right strings are almost always trigger control. Squeeze, no jerking (it's not your ####), when the shot breaks should almost be a surprise. Up and down strings are almost always breathing control. BRASS Breath, Relax, Aim, Squeeze, Shoot. And there is always "follow through", basically wait a second after the shot before you start moving around.

If you find your bi-pod slips, put a sandbag in front of it and that should go away. You're supposed to put a load, lean forward, into your bi-pod.

Also, you need to keep a firm grip on, keep the butt in your shoulder and press your cheek to the stock. Don't strangle the damn thing, but don't be a limp noodle either.
 
Thanks. All good advice. This gun is new to me and shoots much different than my Rem does. The Rem shoots under .5 all day without having to hold it. Could be the extra weight from the laminate thumbhole stock. I do find my cheek weld and eye alignment much better with the Tikka stock.

Damn, guess I will have to make a few more trips to the range:)
 
A bipod, i found is always a disavantage for top grouping, all of my best group were done from the sand bag... Good shooting. JP.
 
caramel said:
A bipod, i found is always a disavantage for top grouping, all of my best group were done from the sand bag... Good shooting. JP.
Click to expand...

There is a rifle living here just like that. Doesn't like the bi-pod on. When we tighten the pod too the sling swivel, there must be tension transfered from stock to barrel, causing all kinds of accuracy issues.

Each rifle, or other firearm, will have personality traits different from other examples of the same model.

Guns are like women, and if you piss them off, you'll never hear the end of it lol.
 
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